This is a "fair housing" evaluation of tenant, Keenan R. Ellsberry who currently (11) resides on W. Creek Drive in New Boston, MI, 48164.
As the homeowner, I allow Garner Properties and Management Co. To oversee the tenant relations.
The tenant moved in on 08/31 with a year lease (Sept to August) at $1500/month. The subsequent year, the lease was renewed for $1530/month. Year 3 was renewed at the same rate.in Year 4, a yearly lease was not renewed so the tenant currently resides month-to-month at the same rent of $1530/month.
In the first year, the tenant was late 3 times, by no more than 10 days, each time making the payment inclusive of a late fee of $100.
His first water bill, covering 3 months usage, totaled just shy of $1000. The tenant claimed AFTER receiving the bill that a toilet has been leaking. The toilet was repaired and, although the tenant was 100% responsible for the bill including water that may have been lost through leakage, the tenant was given a one-time credit of $250. This was made to offset his "unfamiliarity" with the automated sprinkler system which had been set for summer demand to avoid setting changes. An argument could be made that the property management company had the responsibility to educate the tenant on the system controls. This bill was ultimately paid in (agreed) installments.
In year 2, the tenant was late 4 times, by no more than 10 days as well, each time making the payment inclusive of a late fee of $100. Of note this year, the tenant permitted a boat to be parked in the driveway, creating a homeowners association violation. The first time occurred in July, resulting in a warning letter. The second time occurred in August, resulting in a $25 fine that he paid. (While discussing this subject, a third occurrence happened in the beginning of year 3, two months later in October, resulting in a $50 fine which he paid).
As one of his social media pages states, he states he is "fashionably late". This obviously refers to his rent payments - read further.
In year 3 the tenant was late EIGHT (8) times (out of 12), as much as 25 days, each time making the payment inclusive of a late fee of $100. This lease terminated on 10/31.
In year 4 the tenant has been late EIGHT (8) times (out of 12), as much as 29 days, each time making the payment inclusive of a late fee of $100. During this 'cycle', the property manager finally decided to do something other than to write or telephone reminders. The tenant was served with a Summons and Complaint for non-payment of rent (a prelude to eviction proceedings) to (paraphrased) impress upon the importance of paying on-time. This occurred twice, with a third "court processing" initiated about a week ago. Since then, the tenant has paid (as he had the prior two times) but payment, by law, will not allow my complete reimbursement for the expense of the legal action.
Another 3-month (summer 2011) water usage bill for $630.56 remains delinquent as of 11 WITHOUT any prior complaints of a water leak.
In summary, taking legal action has not changed his leisurely attitude of paying his rent until he is good and ready. He has progressively lengthened the interval of lateness and its occurrence is becoming more consistent.
Since I believe the property manager doesn't report the tenant's payment history to a credit bureau (likely so as not to create more overhead and less profits since you have to have a "paid" account with the credit bureau in order to report), I have decided to create a website to detail his on-going behavior (www.keenanellsberry. Webs.com). The site lists additional identity clarifiers to ensure others of who this person is.
Since a monthly rent payment is the single greatest expense anyone likely pays, it is representative of their "financial responsibility". Clearly, property managers are propagating the problem by NOT reporting a poor payment history, providing a disservice for future property managers that will have to deal with him, or the homeowner turned landlord.
HOMEOWNER plans to take control of this situation will be implemented January.
Please check as I make this information available.
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